Quran Desecration Case: Man To Be Charged Tomorrow

PUTRAJAYA, March 2 (Bernama) -- A man who allegedly stepped on the Quran and shared the act on social media will be charged in the Kuantan Court in Pahang tomorrow, the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) said today.

In a statement, the AGC said a thorough review of the investigation papers submitted by the police found sufficient grounds to prefer charges against S. Vikneswaran in connection with the incident, which occurred in Kuantan.

According to the statement, the man will be charged under Section 295 of the Penal Code for defiling an object regarded as sacred, namely the Quran, by stepping on it, with the knowledge that such an act constitutes an insult to Islam.

The AGC said he will also be charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for making and initiating an extremely offensive communication with the intent to annoy others via the Threads application.

“Both charges will be brought before the court of competent jurisdiction on March 3, 2026,” the statement said.

Section 295 of the Penal Code provides for imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine, or both.

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 provides for a fine not exceeding RM500,000, or imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

On Feb 25, a student of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) was arrested for allegedly insulting Islam by uploading an image of an individual stepping on the Quran.

Kuantan district police chief ACP Ashari Abu Samah earlier said that the remand of the 21-year-old man was extended until Tuesday following instructions from the Deputy Public Prosecutor to complete investigations.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the government will not allow any party to insult the Quran in any form.

He also urged the public to remain patient and not take hasty action while investigations are being carried out by the police.

-- BERNAMA